Jerónimos Monastery
Lisboa
Jerónimos Monastery, located in the Belém district of Lisbon near the Tagus River, is one of the most outstanding examples of the late Gothic Manueline architectural style. Commissioned by King Manuel I in the early 1500s, it was constructed over a century with funding from taxes on Portugal's lucrative India trade. The monastery was built to honor the Portuguese royal dynasty of Aviz and to provide spiritual assistance to navigators during the Age of Discoveries. Its richly ornate limestone facades incorporate maritime motifs and symbols of the era's explorations. The church houses the tombs of famed explorer Vasco da Gama, poet Luís de Camões, and kings Manuel I and John III. The monastery complex includes a magnificent cloister, the monks' refectory, and an ancient library, reflecting its historical importance. In 1983, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside the nearby Tower of Belém. Today, it remains one of Portugal's most visited monuments and a national symbol of maritime heritage and royal patronage.
ヒント: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Purchase tickets online in advance to skip lines. The monastery is closed on Mondays. Allow time to explore both the church and the cloisters. Audio guides and guided tours are available for deeper understanding. Discounts are often offered for seniors, students, and groups.
興味深い事実
- •The monastery was funded by a 5% tax on profits from Portuguese India trade, known as the 'Vintena da Pimenta'.
- •Vasco da Gama and poet Luís de Camões are buried in the church's nave, near the tombs of Manuel I and John III.
- •The Manueline architectural style is unique to Portugal and incorporates maritime elements and symbols of the Age of Discoveries.
- •The monastery was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 alongside the Tower of Belém.
- •It was one of the seven wonders of Portugal, elected in 2007.
歴史
The Jerónimos Monastery replaced an older church dedicated to Santa Maria de Belém, where navigators like Vasco da Gama prayed before voyages.
Construction began in 1501 under King Manuel I, funded by a tax on trade profits from Africa and the Orient.
The monastery served the Hieronymite monks who prayed for the king's soul and aided sailors for over four centuries until religious orders were dissolved in 1833.
Key architects included Diogo de Boitaca, João de Castilho, Diogo de Torralva, and Jérôme de Rouen.
Construction halted in 1580 due to the Iberian Union and funding shifts.
It became the royal pantheon of the House of Aviz and was secularized in the 19th century.
場所ガイド
South Portalearly 16th century
This richly decorated entrance features statues of the Archangel Saint Michael and Saint Mary of Belém, with portraits of King Manuel I and Queen Maria of Castile, showcasing the exceptional sculptural work of the period.
Church Nave and Royal Tombs16th century
The church's nave houses the tombs of Vasco da Gama, Luís de Camões, King Manuel I, and King John III, making it a national pantheon and a place of great historical significance.
Cloisters16th century
The two-story cloisters are a highlight of the monastery, featuring intricate Manueline stonework with maritime motifs, lush gardens, and tranquil walkways that once served the monks.
Refectory and Former Library16th century
These conventual spaces illustrate the daily life of the Hieronymite monks, with the refectory used for communal meals and the library once housing important religious and navigational texts.
連絡先
電話: 21 362 0034
